#62 jazz night in Kentish town

London is Europe’s jazz capital. That’s a fact. I know, Paris is a close competitor, maybe a little bit – Amsterdam, but still – any night in London you have options beyond comprehension where to go and enjoy good jazz. Any night somewhere in London you can listen to the world-class jazz. Soon though because of this abundance of options there is a risk of becoming slightly spoiled; if you can listen to proper jazz ‘cats’, you may less likely go to a gig of young and not yet so known and award winning bands (well, assuming that the ticket price is not a condition in this algorithm).

However, sometimes that’s exactly what is needed and what is great: a gig in a non-pretentious but cosy venue (The Oxford in Kentish Town) by a young and promising band playing to few dozens of people. Feels so personal, intimate and authentic. Vitor Pereira band is certainly something to watch out.

Price: 5GBP + wine

Amazingness: could not think of better way to spend this Monday evening;

Duration: 2 hours or so.

March 10, 2014

 

#61 touching the fire: London’s Flamenco festival

Ole! Ole!

I am so so so happy I went to a gala concert of a London Flamenco festival featuring Mercedes Ruiz and it was just breathtaking. There are several dance styles i would call exceptionally passionate; like tango and salsa, but flamenco is a fire! Emotions, sensuality, passion, happiness and pain. It awakens instincts, emotions and reminds what life is about. But, not only that – all dancers demonstrated such a high class technicality and sophistication. real pleasure.

Here is a little video from the festival few years ago.

Price: 17GBP

Amazingness: people could not stop applauding at the end. Awesome

Duration: 2 hours.

12 March, 2014

 

#53 playing music

Listening to music is good. But playing music is even better.

About 10 years ago I decided that I want to play saxophone. And, i bought  alto saxophone and started practicing. As simple as that (and it is never too late to start something!). I had a little bit of tutoring but mostly it was learning on my own. There have been periods of more intensive practicing (several times a week) and i have even played to friends and colleagues, but somehow with my current priorities i find it really difficult to devote time as much as i used to. But! I found some time today and it was awesome! Jazz standards is my repertoire.:)

My goal is not to become a professional musician (that dream was killed when i went to rehearsal at the music college at age of 14). I just want to play good enough so i can enjoy it myself. And the better it sounds, the more fun i have.

Price: finding time;

Amazingness: I played for the first time this year and it sounded good to me (I dont know though what neighbors thought);

Duration: about 45min;

March 1, 2014

 

#46 ‘the world vocal championship’

whilst everyone is probably busy following the winter Olympics in Sochi, there was this superb ‘World Vocal championship’ taking place on Thursday in the East London. Though this gig seemed to be sold out and venue was too small for everyone who came to get a seat, i wish this gig attracted attention it really deserved. Randolph Matthews and Cleveland Watkiss are amazing British singers individually and their solo gigs can alone be an amazing experience, but when they are both on the stage together – it’s double amazing! Playful vocal battle mixed with jokes and supported by a choir demonstrated their virtuosity, improvisation skills and masterful use of voice.

Just few days after this gig (this was the first time they did such a duo gig, as far as i know) there has been created a special facebook page VocalRumbles, so i guess and i hope this amazing collaboration will continue offering many more vocal battles. Check them out!

Price: 12.50GBP

Duration: 2 hours gig

Amazingness: great + great

February 20, 2014

 

#22 enjoying live jazz gigs

I think i dont know a person who would not like music, who would not be spending money and time (some more, some less) for music. It does not matter what kind of music we like, but eventually it becomes part of our lives. However, how do you listen to music? Are you an ‘iTunes’ type listening music via your laptop, iPod and phone? Are you a conservative ‘CD’ man who is still buying original hard copies (at independent music stores maybe?) and using music centres? Are you a ‘radio’ person? Or are you a ‘vinyl’ person who is passionately collecting and appreciating music in its sweet, cool old-school way?

I have been through all these stages, from vinyl in childhood to iTunes now. However, nothing compares to a live performance by artists you really love. During the live performance music is not anymore a mere background, but it takes you over, it talks to you, it touches your heart and soul. For that hour or three you live in a music and somehow it makes you feel differently afterwards. In most of the cases – better. It’s the same, I assume, like with religion: you can read your Bible at home, but reading the same Bible at church is more powerful.

I love jazz and this week I have been particularly generous to myself attending two brilliant live gigs. First one was a fascinating performance by Zhenya Strigalev presenting his new project Smiling Organizm. His sense of humor, musicality plus excellent collaboration of excellent musicians (oh,Eric Harland on drums and Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet!!) was truly amazing!

But working week was completed by a completely different, more sensitive and emotional gig by one of my favorite British jazz singers Carleen Anderson. She definitely knows how to sing. If you have a chance, try to see her performance.

Price: both gigs 50GBP

Amazingness: great + apparently there are also massive health benefits of listening to music!!

Duration: about 4 hours + various after-gig reflections

January 22, 2014

 

#1 Music

There should always be enough time for music to nurture your soul, relax your mind, inspire, spark off your imagination, cheer up, have fun or calm down.

I discovered Jose James, an awesome American jazz singer/ songwriter when browsing the lists of top 2013 jazz albums. After listening to one of the tunes – Heaven on the Ground – of his newest album No Beginning No End I was immediately amazed by its simplicity, melody, lyrics and warmth. A perfect album to start an amazing year.

Price: 7.99GBP (iTunes)

Amazingness: High

Duration: on iTunes forever

January 1, 2014